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Jockey Chantal Sutherland will return to saddle at Del Mar. Posted 6 hours ago
Itsmyluckyday to skip Belmont Stakes 2013 in favor of Pegasus Stakes on 6-16. Posted 6 hours ago
Rosie Napravnik will ride Code West in Belmont Stakes 2013. Posted 6 hours ago
From DRF (The Inside Post): Mylute will not run in Belmont Stakes 2013. Posted 22 hours ago
Eblouissante breezed 4f :49.17 (18/44) at Belmont (dirt Training) on 5-22. Posted 1 day ago
Giant Finish will make his next start in Belmont Stakes 2013. Posted 1 day ago
Unlimited Budget is expected to face males in Belmont Stakes 2013. Posted 2 days ago
Verrazano will make his next start in the Pegasus Stakes at Monmouth on 6-16. Posted 2 days ago
Dreaming of Julia will make her next start in the Mother Goose at Belmont on 6-22. Posted 2 days ago
Game On Dude worked 4f in :50.60 (28/36) at Santa Anita on 5-20. Posted 3 days ago

Charles Whittingham Memorial Hdcp

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What the Nation is saying about the Charles Whittingham Memorial Hdcp...

Acclamation Wins Another Whittingham

For the third year in a row, Acclamation wired the field in the Grade I, $250,000 Charles Whittingham Memorial Handicap.Read More

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Mary Z. · He took it nice and slow through 3/4. He'll have to speed up that giant rear of his for the Read. Very nice return, but we will see the fast Acclamation from now on. · 347 days ago ·

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Saturday's Betfair Hollywood Park Pick 6 Carryover Tickets - June 9

Friday Betfair Hollywood Park Recap – June 8 Cushion Track yielded a trio of wire jobs at a mile and a sixteenth. Stalkers and closers won all three turf races carded (rail at 15 feet). Hat trick for Rafael Bejarano. On the ticket front I tabbed three Primary (Drift King, Jolly Days, Sweet Elation) ...Read More

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Acclamation Seeks Whittingham Hat Trick

Acclamation, the champion older male of 2011, will make his first start in eight months when he aims for his third consecutive victory in the Grade I, $250,000 Charles Whittingham Memorial Handicap Saturday at Betfair Hollywood Park.Read More

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Mary Z. · This is a good distance and good course for Acclamation's return. Best of luck to the champion. The Euro, Barney Rebel is fast, but not much past a mile, maybe 9f., so far. · 350 days ago ·

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manutim · everything looks set.all excited. shame about i'll have another.racing needs heroes although i really did not think he would win. any guesses on what weight acclamation will actually carry? doesn't really concern because he carries me every day. · 348 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Good sense of humor about the lbs. overweight, manutim. Just sayin' that young Joe Talamo did a fine job riding your horse, too. · 348 days ago ·

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Acclamation Ready for Whittingham

Acclamation emerged from his Friday workout “fine,” according to trainer Don Warren and will enter Saturday’s Grade I, $250,000 Charles Whittingham Memorial Handicap at 1 1-4 miles on turf. The 6-year-old will be going for his third straight Whittingham victory.Read More

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Point-Counterpoint - Acclamation vs Cape Blanco

Who should be Champion Turf Male?Read More

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medlocke · When Acclamation's overall body of work, to include his win in the G1 Pacific Classic on synthetics can be considered into the mix? I think it likely makes Acclamation one of, if not the top candidate for 2011 HOY outright. But I don't feel like Acclamation should get the Eclipse Award for 2011 Turf HOY, and here's why. #1-His win in the G1 Pacific Classic should have no bearing at all on the eclipse vote for Turf HOY, because the race was not run on turf. Enduring 3 cross-Atlantic shipping's from Ireland to America, and still having the talent to win the G1 Man O' War Stakes, the G1 Arlington Million, and the G1 Joe Hirsch Turf, at 10 and 12f, beating the horse that has arguably carried the flag for American turf racing over the past 3 seasons in Gio Ponti in 2 of those races, reads a much stronger turf resume' than staying home in California, and winning the G1 Charlie Whittingham and the G1 Eddie Read. Plus two G2 turf stakes wins. But I would argue that Cape Blanco shipping from Ireland to win the Man O' War and the Million trumps Acclamation's Charlie Wittingham and Eddie Read. Shipping only cross-state. And Cape Blanco's third trip over from Ireland to win the G1 Joe Hirsch trumps Acclamation's two G2 turf win's. Again, shipping only in-state. Especially if you figure in the mileage shipped from Ireland to America to win an extra G1 stakes. As opposed to shipping in-state for 2 G2 stakes wins. As I say, I don't argue Acclamation has a case for 2011 HOY outright when his Pacific Classic win can enter the mix. But Cape Blanco clearly deserves to win 2011 Turf HOY. Outside of the BC Turf, he won the 3 biggest G1 turf stakes in America, and shipped across the Atlantic Ocean to do so. Not just across the state of California. Just keeping it real, folks. · 589 days ago ·

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waya · As you said Brian, the Million, Man O'War and Turf Classic are all bigger than anything Acclamation has won. No question, it's Cape Blanco! · 588 days ago ·

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rockerb · Cape Blanco's best distance is 1O furlongs and he struggled to hold off Dean's Kitten on a soft surface he has proven to like. Meanwhile, Acclamation has shown the ability to rate on any surface and most every distance. His one flaw seems to be traveling east. If the BC @ CD comes up firm, I'd take Acclamation over Cape Blanco. Problem is neither of these charges can beat the best the Euros have to offer. · 588 days ago ·

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BrianAppleton · I have to go with Cape Blanco on this one, he didn't only win the most prestigous races, he beat the toughest competition. · 588 days ago ·

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BigWillTeamTAP · Um...are we really just throwing out the BC TURF and making it irrelevant? I think that potential champions (like CAPE BLANCO) can be dethroned on CHAMPIONSHIP DAY if a horse like WINCHESTER would win the BC TURF. He already has one grade 1 win and a win in the CHAMPIONSHIP AND SIGNATURE RACE for the division should be enough to overtake Cape Blanco.....in my opinion. But if an outsider or Euro wins....its CAPE BLANCO all the way. · 588 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · Come on Will, Winchester has one win in 2011, and ran last in the Turf Classic ... the BC is important, but not that important. · 588 days ago ·

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WesWhite · Will knows that there is no chance that Winchester could win an eclipse off of 2 wins if he were to win the turf, anyone that things that Acclamation has a shot at any awards with a 5th and last place finish while running in the watered down So Cal division of turf racing out there has no idea what running and winning the top 3 races turf wise in America. · 588 days ago ·

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BigWillTeamTAP · I see what you're saying Brian but I think we have a difference of opinions on the weight of the BC TURF. You may be right...the BC may not be that important. We've seen that in recent years so that trend could continue. I guess my whole argument is...if the Breeders Cup is supposed to be the "WORLD THOROUGHBRED CHAMPIONSHIPS" why aren't these races taken into the highest of consideration when deciding championships??? And while I don't think Winchester will win....I was just talking hypotheticals here and he was definitely a more logical choice than mission approved. · 588 days ago ·

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BigWillTeamTAP · OK Wes...Rank them: #1. BREEDERS CUP TURF #2. ARLINGTON MILLION #3. TURF CLASSIC #4. Sword Dancer #5. Man O War. And like I said...just throwing out hypotheticals. A win in the Championship and a top notch grade 1 isn't enough to merit an eclipe? And we're not factoring in Cape Blancos frequent flyer miles. Just wondering how a win in the BC Turf combined with another grade 1 is not enought to possibly overtake Cape Blanco. And I'm not even talking about Acclamation, its sad his season got cut short because he could have racked up awards on eclipse night. · 588 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · I'm not so naive as to totally buy the bruised foot excuse. The rash of fevers and foot bruises lately should have these horses on a regimen of Tylenol and aquacizers. Just to be factual about Acclamation, the 10th. place finish was on that Charlestown slop, not turf. The 5th.place finish came after running a fast 7f. in the Kilroe Mile, after a 7 1/2 month layoff. Get real about Cape Blanco, too. What did he have in store for him if he hadn't been retired? Not racing in Europe after getting used to his improved form with the L, and Acclamation waiting at the end of the trail in sunny, fast, firm CA. Now, they both must rest on their laurels to await the voting. If the other major HOTY contenders totally disappoint in their BC races, of course Acclamation is still in the running for HOTY. I see the points about Cape Blanco's three races being more prestigious and better competition than Acclamation's 4 turf wins. Another example of the dissatisfaction of this contest not being settled on the track. · 588 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · Cape Blanco's main claim to fame in two out of three of the grade ones was beating Gio Ponti, who has shown us both this year and last that anything over 9f is NOT his best distance. Yes, he won the Hirsch and it was a gritty win while injured, but Dean's Kitten? Really? Neither faced the most consistent horses or the best of competition. Again on Gio, you go on what he has done this year, and he had won not a single grade one when Cape beat him. His only one this year is at a mile. So competition wise, both faced relatively the same type of horses. Ok, but very inconsistent. Acclamation has more graded stakes wins and races in the top turf races on his side of the coast. Cape didn't travel west for the same reason Acclamation didn't go east, and extra 3000 miles. Cape came to America for softer competition and Lasix. I can't say what would have happened if him and Acclamation met, but yes I do think Acclamation would have had a very good chance, especially with his speed and class. Cape has speed and on the east not many other turf horses had the quality of speed he did. Acclamation does, which would allow him to keep in touch while also NOT folding. With three grade one wins, two grade twos that all came in a five race streak, he deserves to be champion Turf Horse. · 587 days ago ·

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ILuvTurfRacing · @DeadHeat, The horses that Cape Blanco faced in all 3 American G1 win's are good enough, but your missing the big picture that he had to ship all the way over from Ireland all 3 times to win these G1 races. I would defy Acclamation to ship from California to Ireland and try his hand at the Irish Champion Stakes, or the Irish Derby if was still a 3yr.old. Both, races Cape Blanco won in Ireland last season. · 506 days ago ·

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footlick · If a horse ships across the Atlantic 3 times and wins 3 gr1's, it is either something special or we have the worst turf horses in the world and none of them should get an award. Cape Blance won two of his races in dominant fashion. Dean's Kitten stepped up in the bog, and ran a big race so at least give him credit for that. But Cape Blanco won on a fractured leg, so even though it was close, give him credit for that too. Acclimation ran very well out West and is a favorite of mine. But the strongest field he ran against was on the DelMar poly. Either is fine with me. A little more impressed with a horse who crosses the Atlantic 3 times, but........ · 506 days ago ·

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travel_vic · Cape Balnoc hands down. When the connrections go after the best competition at the highest levels and triumoph rather than hide out, well the winner of this debate is a rather easy choice. · 506 days ago ·

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zxswordxz · I'm with footlick...give credit where credit is due and Cape Blanco deserve it. · 505 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Gio Ponti not a 10F horse? Really? Horses that aren’t 10F horses don’t continuously run sub 24 second final quarters. Gio Ponti won 3 races at 10F in 10 attempts (8 grass and 2 synthetic), but with 4 seconds and 1 third. 9 of the 10 races were in G1’s including 3 Arlington Millions, 3 Manhattans and a BCC (synthetics) and a Dubai World Cup (synthetics). 4 of his second place finishes were by a length or less and in none of his 8 finishes in the money was he backing off. He was closing in all of them even when Zenyatta ran away from him in the BCC. This year he met really tough competition. When Cape Blanco beat him in the Million Gio closed three lengths in the stretch with his final quarter in 23.64 seconds. In the Manhattan when Mission Approved beat him he closed five lengths in the stretch and ran his final quarter in 22.93 seconds, but suffered because he had to run wide. In the Dubai world Cup he ran against a loaded field and finished in a crowd just over a length off the win. In the Man O’ War at 11F, he closed ran his final 3F in 34.32 seconds and gained two lengths on the winner, Cape Blanco. Gio is still a 10F horse. He’s just a .300 hitter running against the very best competition. This is another reason why Cape Blanco is so worthy of a HOY title. · 505 days ago ·

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footlick · nice post, Laz. I too thought he was still a viable adversary but just not winning. Thanks. · 505 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Hi to footy. True about Gio. He was quite the champion turf horse. I learned from S.G. that it is not necessary to run down a great horse to attempt to make a case for another, meaning Acclamation. He needs to do that this year for himself. Hope his chance didn't pass him by with no one knowing how good he was until May. That would be a shame and a waste. Even with the BC Turf at Santa Anita this year, I think Acclamation needs to try traveling at least a couple of times to the big Eastern/Arlington turf races. and no I'm not that other Mary at bh. · 505 days ago ·

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travel_vic · Acclimation stayed out of running versus the best at differing venues. Taking on all comers, whatever the result, is the mark of championship horses and connections. · 504 days ago ·

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footlick · Hi Mary Z. I have no problem with Acclimation staying out West. He ran great races and showed a new versatility when he won going shorter than his usual preferred distance. My vote for Cape Blanco is swayed by his shipping across the Atlantic 3 times. It would have been nice if they met, but they didn't. My favoring of Cape Blanco is in no way a slight to Acclimation. · 504 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · footy,I have said that I think Acclamation could have taken the Sword Dancer over Winchester, but truth is he may not have even been nominated for any of those races outside of CA, after Charlestown and the 5th place in the Mile race, which came at the end of a losing streak. Hope he still has it this year. He has a different style than so many turf runners in that he wins mostly having been on the lead for the greater part of his races, and my favorite part--fast. · 504 days ago ·

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footlick · Mary Z.- I'm not sure he likes soft turf, which might be why they really haven't run him outside of Cal much. If the turf was to his liking, I certainly think he could have taken the Sword Dancer. The fact that he won the Pacific Classic, though has opened up even more options for him in California, so they may opt for a turf and synthetic year. · 504 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · I wouldn’t hold a dismal finish in the Charlestown race against any horse. The track is essentially a bull ring, much like Fairplex, with very sharp turns. The track was also sloppy and sealed. It’s easy to see that he didn’t like that race based on how dismal he ran and yet he bounced back and won his next five in a row. As for the Kilroe Mile, Acclamation isn’t a miler and is zero for two in that particular race. He’s a true router who likes to set a controlled pace and when he can do this is very tough to beat. In fact the only way to beat him in a route when they are planning on taking him to the front is to challenge right from the beginning. · 504 days ago ·

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Is Acclamation the Horse of the Year?

After Breeders' Cup chaos, maybe it is Acclamation who could be the big winner...Read More

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AndyScoggin · A lot of Tweets calling for Rapid Redux for HOY. I know they are mostly in jest, but he I like the sentiment. · 564 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · A lot of Tweets calling for Rapid Redux for HOY. I know they are mostly in jest, but he I like the sentiment. · 564 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Do I get a vote? Then, it's between him and HDG. And I'd pick Acclamation out of those two. · 564 days ago ·

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likin sparks · I was looking at the possibilities about 3 hours ago and I chose Acclamation he really got into a groove and shame we didn't get to see him in the BC. Rapid is awesome but since he doesn't race in the stakes they'll probably overlook him, shame. · 564 days ago ·

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stevebiscuit · Acclamation is the obvious choice for Horse of the Year. He is tied with Havre De Grace in Grade 1 wins. The tie breaker? All of his were against open company plus he also had two grade 2 wins. Winning the Pacific Classic proved that he was not only the top turf horse, but the top older male as well after setting a new track record. Had Havre De Grace won the Classic I'd give it to her no question. But she got beat fair and square by a suspect group of horses. If we're going by the facts, Acclamation had the better year. He is your 2011 Horse of the Year! · 564 days ago ·

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TimSmith · Calebs posse!! Wow Zenyatta would have crushed the classic field. I am usually saying how she is overrated but man o man that was weak.. 204+ for the race time. · 564 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · " The track was not the same as last year, there was more clay and the horses couldn't grip the track." Todd Pletcher- about as close as I remember it. Somebody should have told Calebs Posse. lol · 564 days ago ·

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RamonD · wow finally someone is going against HDG!!!yay!!ACCLAMATION ALL THE WAY my vote is for him 100%!! · 564 days ago ·

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RamonD · ACCLAMATION OR GAME ON DUDE!! · 564 days ago ·

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timgsmith10 · I still believe HDG has a great chance to win H.O.Y. I would NOT vote for acclamtion. HDG , Caleb or rapid redux lol No clear #1 · 564 days ago ·

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footlick · Acclamation or Cape Blanco · 564 days ago ·

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RamonDimas · RAPID REDUX oh hell no he sucks!!! · 563 days ago ·

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RamonDimas · HDG no she lost and game on dude beat her so he has a better chance!!!also RULER ON ICE beat her!!!NO HDG on HOTY!!!!GAME ON DUDE or ACLAMATION............ · 563 days ago ·

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ghelguera · It will be a photo finish between Acclamation and HDG. · 563 days ago ·

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RamonDimas · ok fine ACCLAMATION,GAME ON DUDE,AND HDG there the lovely filly is in there for the title!!but still i dont think that HDG should be the winner!! · 563 days ago ·

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Armada · I think it's between HDG and Acclamation at this point. · 563 days ago ·

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kedez2012 · Great to finally hear people recognizing Acclamation! He and Cape Blanco were quietly assembling impressive resumes while everyone was too busy obsessing over Tizway. I still think HDG deserves some recognition, but Acclamation has my vote.. · 563 days ago ·

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travel_vic · simple answer:NO · 563 days ago ·

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zatt · I just put up a new HoY poll on the Zipse at the track blog ... vote now! · 563 days ago ·

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yvonne0604 · Havre de Grace. Acclamation is a great horse, but I think Gracie's win at the Woodward against the boys trumps Acclamation's win on S. · 563 days ago ·

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fran.doos · I think it is a possbility. Yes, Acclamation! · 563 days ago ·

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bellesforever1 · Grace deserves the HOY award..Acclamation is a very good horse but not HOY..Grace has gone outside the box maybe she lost by a whisker to Blind L uck and she managed a fourth in the Classic but with a 4wide trip by 4 lengths..well I say she earned it baby!! · 563 days ago ·

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Winplacsho · My vote would be with Game on Dude. I know Acclimation beat him in the Pacific Classic, but he's a 2 time Grade 1 winner on dirt, 2nd in the Classic & the Hollywood Gold Cup. Even though Acclimation beat him head to head, it was only poly & I just think Game on Dude's total body of work is better. · 563 days ago ·

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JohnByrd · Amazombie for HOY? Why not? No horse has come farther, from his lack of breeding to his one-time value of $0, to get where he is today. · 563 days ago ·

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boxersdaddy · For a horse like Rapid Redux, there should be an Honorable Mention Eclipse given out. · 563 days ago ·

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zatt · Agreed, boxersdaddy ... Surprised to see that Acclamation is rated only #6 on the latest NTRA poll, he's rated #3 of the Americans on the HRN fan poll. · 563 days ago ·

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buckpasser · The will probably have co HOY: Hansen and Acclamation or hdg. They did this with Moccasin and Tom Rolfe · 563 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · No, I changed my mind today. He should not be an accidental HOTY. His year doesn't seem to have been planned out with year end honors as a goal from the beginning of the year. More like trying different options, some which were inappropriate for him, in order to achieve some measure of success as he had fallen into somewhat of a bad slump before starting his win streak in May. The experimentation continued after the streak began with the gr.1 9f. Read instead of the perhaps more fitting in length but lower grade Sunset, and the synthetic risk that paid off in the PC. But he had all of his turf wins in CA which has lower purses which do not attract top nationwide competition, and he did not make a BC appearance. So, in 2012 he can go after top turf male/HOTY from the start, which that goal stated as the intention. And he can embark on a campaign in which he takes on the best. If that means the streak ends, fine, as long as he is challenged at top level so there are no questions as to the quality he faced. HDG year was planned with top older female honors and then HOTY as goals. She didn't duck top competition. I thought of the Obeah as a Del Cap prep, maybe others don't. She was not disgraced in her BC appearance. I'd be happy if she won and I could not enjoy anything but very temporary happiness over Acclamation winning because truly, he left too many questions this year. I will love watching his speed that lasts 9,10, 11, and 12f. this coming year, if we are all lucky enough and he is still running.. · 563 days ago ·

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RamonDimas · BUCKPASSER hansen no way!! · 563 days ago ·

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timgsmith10 · HDG or Calebs Posse · 563 days ago ·

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Mike in SB · I think it will probably be Havre de Grace, but Acclamation should get a lot of votes. This year has been a very weak year for racing, whoever wins the award will be the least accomplished Horse of the Year in history in my opinion. · 562 days ago ·

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The Mule · Acclamation's last five races were amazing. I believe his competition was tougher than HDG's. I liked him for the BC classic. Too bad. · 562 days ago ·

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cpsoren121 · Well, I know Caleb's Posse is up for 3yo, but why not horse of the year! · 562 days ago ·

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CraigBradshaw · caleb's posse won't even get hoy consideration. · 560 days ago ·

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timgsmith10 · I think Calebs Posse deserves 3 year old and some consideration for H.O.Y.. · 560 days ago ·

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Aggressiveness Rewarded for Acclamation in Del Mar's Eddie Read (Video

Sure Acclamation could have easily won the Sunset Handicap (Grade III) on closing day at Hollywood Park coming off wins...Read More

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BrianZipse · I would rather see some more aggressiveness and a trip to Arlington for the Million. · 664 days ago ·

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Lava Man...King of California

We have already gone over the Horse of the Decade debate thousands of times, some say Curlin, some say Ghostzapper, some say Invasor, or some say Zenyatta. But, one thing we haven’t discussed is who was the best horse to race in California last decade.Read More

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New York Vinnie · That's an easy answer. Just ask Trevor, Vic (Stauffer) or the CEO of Santa Anita. In fact the CEO of Santa Anita says that Zenyatta was the greatest horse he has seen ever at his track including the great Spectacular Bid. · 694 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · She was easily the most popular and most charismatic, but you cannot compare the two side by side and say she was the better. His resume was far superior. · 694 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · his resume was better but that's where it ends.She was one of the great horses of all time regardless of gender.He 2010 BCC race which took place in freezing temperatures was one for the ages.At the top of the belmont strectch after a mile I'll take Z over any of the so-called top 10.she'll run them down. · 694 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · How can you say that when she very rarely faced the best unless it was under perfect circumstances? The one time it wasn't she lost. His resume was better for a reason and true greatness is base on what a horse accompished and who they did it against. He was more versitile, ran in the better races, took on more challeges, and won. He is the better horse. "Feelings" in terms of actual greatness only cloud the judgment. · 694 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · DeadHeat I didn't mean to confuse you as I believe Spectacular Bid as a 4yo was one of the horses that could run on even terms with Secretariat.When I watch Zenyatta with those massive strides cover that ground in the stretch I feel like I'm watching a force of nature. · 694 days ago ·

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TimSmith · I would say Lava Man had the better stats but Id give the best horse in California over the last 10 years to ....Zenyatta. Just due to the fact she was amazing on the California circuit had tons of fans and won H.O.Y. · 694 days ago ·

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Mike in SB · Lava Man was a great and very popular California horse, I saw him race a bunch of times and he is still one of my favorite horses. But like you mentioned he was not the same horse outside of California, if he had had the same success outside of California he would have been one of the best horses ever to race, but I don't think many California fans would say he was better than Zenyatta. · 694 days ago ·

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New York Vinnie · Some of my all time California racehorses were Majestic Prince, Cougar II, and perhaps Vigors. But non surpasses Zenyatta. · 694 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · It will take many years and another generation before her accomplishments are appreciatd.Pace was not even a consideration in her races,slow,she ran them down,fast,she ran them down.She is one of two horses I have seen that defy the physical laws of the universe, the other being Secretariat. · 693 days ago ·

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mdracing69 · I agree icy. Zenyatta will be appreciated more as time goes by. Great points about pace and how she ran down her rivals over and over again regardless of surface/race shape. · 693 days ago ·

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DeadHeat · Defies the laws of the universe? Against who? It's easy to run down the horses she did on the types of tracks she did. As time goes on people will only realize how good she could have been and that it is too bad we never got to see what a true champion she could be. She is the equivalent to Azeri or Personal Ensign. Great fillies but not a great horse. · 693 days ago ·

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LAZMANICK · I’m not going to stake a claim for Zenyatta because I’ll obviously be beaten down. She did race against all those inferior horses didn’t she? Her BCC and BC Distaff (both in Cali) of course are a sham. The fact that she won something like 11 G1 races is a G1 anomaly, not up there with winning G1’s like other horses across the county including the past two extraordinary strong Woodwards, the past two Donns, the 2009 Kentucky Oaks, and the 2009 Mother Goose, etc. · 693 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · DeadHeat I agree she ran a restricted schedule.This bothered me so I looked into it.Zenyatta though physically huge was a very nervous horses who had to be handled with the utmost of care.When she did ship she got sick,lost weight,etc. The owners for one of the few times in the history of horses racing did what was best for the horse.As for her accomplishments I've written volumes about that subject and am not going to repeat it again.If you wish you can look at my profile as everything is there.Your point is based on your view which at one time I shared,but that is your opinion and I respect it · 693 days ago ·

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dubby30 · Laz, other than the BCC and BCLC how about you give us indication of lets say 3 or 4 more races where she faced top level horses during the year, or ran in races that were considered nationally prominent, tell us about her stunning victories in California's Top Tier races. SA Handicap, HWGC, Pac Classic or Goodwood. We'd all like to hear about how she stacks up to Lavaman · 693 days ago ·

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LAZMANICK · Dubby I figured you’d show up. What Zenyatta did over three plus seasons was probably more than your narrow mind could ever fathom.…………Regarding the best this decade is Cali, sorry, but I wouldn’t even call Lava Man the best claimer in California in the past decade. In six claiming and optional claiming races where he was entered for a tag (he was claimed twice, once for 50k and the other time for 100K) the best he could do was a single win in that 100K optional claiming race, even losing for as low 12.5. In five races outside California (I know that this is confined to California), he never came close to winning including finishing 7th by 15L in the BCC at Churchill. He won 7 G1 races in 17 attempts including 7 of 12 in California and though he won some prestigious races, who did he ever beat that could be considered in the upper echelon of handicap horses racing at the time?..........The list of Lava Man’s accomplishments in California can be called monumental, but the list of his failures are just as monumental. Great horses win more than 50% of their races, win on a consistent basis and their careers are measured from start to finish, not just during a period of time. Zenyatta and Azeri raced tough throughout their careers and would get my vote. · 693 days ago ·

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dubby30 · Love the insult, that was classy of you, but here is where you fail as a fan, and show youself lacking of knowledge and the ability to appreciate a horse, I didnt make mention of Zenyatta's would ofs and could ofs and what she didnt do, I asked you to impress us with her stellar resume in comparison with Lavamans and you decide to take the low road and talk about how awful a horse Lava Man was, that was classy of you, lets see you would rather talk about a Great horses failures than the number of things he accomplished. The Koolaid that you drink of Zenyatta probably has a bit of a musty smell to it doesnt it. But i'll ask you again, this time try to be more a fan of both horses than an obsessive fan of only 1. Please talk to us about the number of races of national significance that she won, or maybe dont talk at all. I'm just saying, but believe me, we'll wait. (waiting) · 693 days ago ·

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Majecal · Zenyatta was better; hands down. those you try to discount her because of her competition and say that lavaman was better are just hipocrites. and dubby, instead of being completely rude to someone for having a different opinion than you, try having a nice, friendly debate or something. the rudeness in your responses completely mask any genuine knowledge of the industry that you might have. · 693 days ago ·

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dubby30 · So what you mean by better is she faced and barely defeated inferior females a number of times, horses coming out of allowance optional claimers. while Lavaman was running in open grade 1 races she has 2 wins of importance to speak of and Lavaman has 8, and he won California's top races numerous times and she was never entered in 1, but she's better - why exactly - is it a feeling in your heart or mind, because when i look at things head to head on paper her career pales in comparison to Lavaman. Signed Non-Cali Kool aid drinker. · 693 days ago ·

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zoee42479 · Grade one races that Zenyatta won - G1 BC Classic, G1 BC Ladies' Classic, G1 Apple Blossom, G1 Vanity, G1 Santa Margarita, G1 Lady's Secret. She beat G1 winners Ginger Punch (Champion), Mine That Bird, Richard's Kid, Hystericalady, Tough Tiz's Sis, Summer Bird (Champion), Romance is Diane, Twice Over (GB), Gio Ponti (Champion), Life is Sweet, Cocoa Beach (CHI), Music Note, Carriage Trail, Santa Teresita, Colonel John, Awesome Gem, Girolamo, Rip Van Winkle (IRE), Einstein (BRZ), Switch, Lookin At Lucky (Champion), Paddy O'Prado, Espoir City, Haynesfield, and Quality Road. · 693 days ago ·

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LAZMANICK · Dubby.........Love the insult? I assume you mean you and not Lava Man………..RLMAO……As soon as the name Zenyatta is mentioned up you pop or your alter ego Afleetalexforever. Give us a break. Every body that blogs on any of these blogs is well aware of your hatred for Zenyatta and her connections. That’s why I said I figured you would show up…………..With regards to Lava Man he was great at times and not so great at times, but he was never consistently great so I wouldn’t call him the greatest of the decade. That honor goes to Azeri or Zenyatta, both HOY winners and both winners of a BC Distaff as well as many PRESTIGIOUS F&M races in Cali. However, the call goes to Zen because of her success against an extremely tough BCC field and the ease of her win. True Lava Man had a 120 Beyer, but that was on dirt. His Beyers on Synthetics don’t even come close to that and yet he was an accomplished turf horse. Zen’s 112 in her BCC, though her race was a second slower than Ravens Pass’ who received a 110 Beyer, would easily convert to a 118 to 120 Beyer on dirt given the rule of thumb of adding 6 to 8 to synthetic route Beyers when comparing to dirt. · 693 days ago ·

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dubby30 · When you say prestigious are you referring to the Lady's Secret run since 1993, oh ok i get it, that race holds more weight than a race he won that has been in existence since 1938.. Lets make sure we understand a race run since 1993 is more important than one ran since 1938. Ok I got you. · 693 days ago ·

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Majecal · What i mean, dubby, is that if your gonna knock on zenyatta for her competition, how can you praise lava man so highly? lava man is a great horse; no doubt. however, lets look at them both equally here instead of trying to just tear apart zenyatta. in your mind vs heart debate, whether you admit it or not, zenyatta has an amazing resume. could she have faced tougher competition at times? sure. but i dont see where lava man was facing anyone better than who she faced in her career. they're both great horses. in my opinion, zenyatta is just the better horse. if you think differently, thats fine. we both have facts to back up our argument and you're entitled to your opinion just as i am. just because we dont share the same opinion, that doesnt mean that either of us is stupid for what we think (not just feel). · 693 days ago ·

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TimSmith · Lava Man for sure won the more prestigious california races thats for sure. · 693 days ago ·

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dubby30 · And when you reference the ultra tough BC field are you referring to her beating Gio Ponti who has a Grade 3 win and 5 loses on synthetics, off the board finishes. He showed his affinity for Synthetics and his talent on the surface while finishing 5th behind those top class horses named Blue Exit and Victory Pete, Madeo and Dixie Chatter. Amazing that you would validate the BC field by means of that back class huh, or what about the ultra talented (on dirt that is) Summer Bird who was so lack luster on the surface that his owners shipped him away from John Sadler to Tim Ice out in La. SB worked 7 times at SA and was awful and transferred out of state and off the synthetics. So please show your great handicapping wisdom by trying to solidify her career of 1 or 2 races out of 20. I am still waiting for you to talk about the great races of national significance that she won outside of the BC. lol · 693 days ago ·

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dubby30 · LOL you said "but i dont see where lava man was facing anyone better than who she faced in her career" are you serious. Lavaman faced "Borrego, Perfect Drift, Surf Cat, Invasor, Bernardini, premium tap, George Washington, Lawyer Ron, Sun King, Flower Alley, Brother Derek, Awesome Gem, Student Council, Arson Squad, Albertus Maximus, Artiste Royal, Champs Elysees. those are just the horses listed at HRN that he faced who were Grade 1 quality. And here is the difference, he's the classier horse because he faced Grade 1 winning horses all year long, over and over again and was consistent at 10f. She faced mediocre fillies and mares still eligible for nw/2 races the majority of her career eeking out victories over these horses with slow times and is compared to a true tested champion like Lavaman. Lavaman actually ran in and won the top races in Cali, Zenyattas people ducked everyone of them but want respect for running in Gender restricted races. And she wasnt facing true 10f horses when she could have stepped up, they would have never run her in the Classic against Invasor and Bernardini and Lavaman. · 693 days ago ·

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dubby30 · Laz what is RLMAO? Might want to take a refersher on internet slang. · 693 days ago ·

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LAZMANICK · I think we all know that Zenyatta ran in some races that were short on talent, even for G1 races (where have we seen that before? Of course only for Zenyatta). However, when she had to be the best she really was the best. She dusted Ginger Punch, the reigning filly champ in the Apple Blossom in her fourth LT start having a 16L turnaround with that one alone in the final quarter of a mile. She ran in three BC races, winning a Distaff and a Classic and then beating herself in another Classic. How many horses can say that they ran in three BC races? Curlin can’t, neither can Rachel, Blame, Quality Road……the list goes on. In this day and age when three year old colts can’t even race into July of their three year old year she had a career that was remarkable in terms of racing from 3 to 6 and this was because how her connections handled her. She wasn’t burnt out after on tough race like Rachel. She raced on. She was undefeated in California in 17 starts there. Some might say some of her races were life and death against mediocre and/or against slower, but the fact is she was always at the mercy of the pace and in every race always finished the strongest and fastest of every horse she ever faced. · 693 days ago ·

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dubby30 · Sad to say you are right Laz, unfortunately for the 3 year olds they are tested against the best available and have to run hard and extend themselves most times out in legit G1 quality races. Remember most horses dont have the option of facing Hot N Dusty and Made for Magic and Pretty Katherine and the oh so talented Gambler's Justice in the majority of their races. Look at Curlin, win or lose, horses on his resume include: Street Sense, Hard Spun, Red Rocks, Vermillion, Better Talk Now, Henrythenavigator, Raven's Pass, Lawyer Ron, Political Force, Any Given Saturday, Einstein, Go Between, Duke of Marmalade, and DWc winners Well Armed and Gloria De Campeao. These horse are legit 10 furlong horses that were tough as nails. Curlin doesnt have a number of optional claimers on his resume or else he would have went 16/16 also. He took down one of the most talented Classics we've seen, none of the horses running in that classic were 1/5 on dirt with a Grade 3 victory, there was quality to be seen. · 693 days ago ·

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Majecal · The names of the horses lava man beat nothing if they weren't in their primes when they raced against him. You make it seem like he defeated so many great horses, but was it when they were at their best? no. try again. and you can't really call him "the classier horse because he faced Grade 1 winning horses all year long." you can make the argument that his owners were classier based off of that fact, but not that he was. unless of course you've heard of the horses deciding which races they want to run in. · 693 days ago ·

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LAZMANICK · Dubby................even you must know what LMAO means.........just add really in front of it. · 693 days ago ·

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brooklyn.steve · Just the fact that Lava Man raced in the Malibu, Pac Classic, Hollywood Gold Cup, Californian, Sunshine Millions, Big cap, Whittingham, Goodwood, etc, while Zenyatta was kept away from those races in order to protect her streak is reason enough this is not debatable. Lava Man took on all comers on all 3 surfaces. He will go down as one of the greatest Cali horses ever. · 693 days ago ·

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LAZMANICK · Dubby…………..I’m certainly not referring to the fake Lady’s Secret that Monmouth put together for Rachel, the same Rachel that was undefeated on synthetics and yet JJ was afraid to enter her alongside Zenyatta when Zenyatta took on the men, real men……..Lava Man was a star and everybody loved him, but he lost something like 25 races in California. The best horse of the decade in California does not loose 25 races in that state………..You say that Zen had easier races than Lava Man in California. I would think that she could win any maiden claiming race, first level allowance race and unlisted stakes race that they could have thrown her way, all of which Lava man lost multiple times……..Regarding Summer Bird, the only time I saw him lackluster was in the Haskell. He was running his favorite distance in the BCC and got the 10F in 2.01.2, which I don’t think is lackluster. He just happened to run into a true superstar........for the comment that Brooklyn Steve said about Lava Man running in races such as the HGC, etc. and Zen skipped them. First of all she was a filly. Unlike Rachel who was fully extended in the toughest race of her career by Macho Again, Zen won a BC C which Lava Man couldn’t do, and she ran a close 2nd in a BCC at CD while Lava man finished 15 lengths back in his BCC race at CD. · 692 days ago ·

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Thead'or · Undefeated on synthetics? You mean that single race as a 2 year-old at Keeneland? I think it's safe to say there's a difference from Hollywood Park and Keeneland are two very different racetracks. · 692 days ago ·

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LAZMANICK · Yep..............Hollywood Park is the closest of the synthetic tracks to dirt. However, the BC was contested at Santa Anita which was a little different. · 692 days ago ·

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dubby30 · Laz do you know what the term Deflect mean. Its defined as turning away, or changing direction after hitting something. It seems that you Laz have hit a brick wall and instead of building up Zenyatta you're trying to tear down Lavaman the actual subject of a beautifully written piece, and also Rachel Alexandra who I am sure you are very bitter about Zenyatta losing the HOY head to head to the best horse running in 2009. I supposed if Lavaman had continued to run in claiming ranks that you'd have an issue or beef but the truth is, he elevated his game to levels never seen by Zenyatta in trotting her way to 19 straight wins against 2 legit fields of horses, those being the 2009 BC and the 2008 LC. Sadly you hang your defending of the regional champion mare to those two races, why, well there's nothing else to talk about. Unless of course you want to tell us about how great she was in defeating her Stable Mate whose connections were sporting enough to try their mare mid year in the Top race in California. What does that tell us about Zenyatta's ability that they didnt have the confidence to run her against the best mid to late year. Well her 6f works in 1:15 tell me that they either couldnt or wouldnt bring her to peak form to take on a legit field mid year because she would need 90 days off for rest due to the way she was slow to recover from a 3 hour plane ride to Arkansas. · 692 days ago ·

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dubby30 · Lavaman career includes winning the 05,06 & 07 HWGC, a race Zen's connections never even thought to enter. the SA Handicap in 06 & 07. the CW in 06 the Pac Classic in 06 and the Goodwood in 06. There are 8 wins there that are considered of national significance. Zenyatta has 2 wins of national significance. If i'm not mistaken, if I am wrong please correct me, but the vanity, CL hirsch, milady and LS are not open Grade 1 races seen as nationally affecting the racing scene. It doesnt affect the racing scene in California even. It would be amazing if there was a league say the NFL that were to say since you won the super bowl in 2009, we're going to allow you to play the weakest teams over and over again, and if you can beat the Buffalo Bills a number of times over and over again during the season you get an easy pass to the Super Bowl again to face the best who have been playing the Patriots and Colts and to tier teams in the NFL week after week. Who is going to be tired and who fresh. Sad that you dont recognize that, you've been duped by the smoke and mirrors of Team Mossy. · 692 days ago ·

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mrsmaryzinke · LDP, I loved Lava Man and I remember his third Hollywood Gold Cup win! I loved the way he really dug in to win. He makes a great King to go along with the Queen, even though they'll have to just be friends. I see you watched War Emblem when you started off following horse racing. Here's to fast horse--there are some running this weekend in the Suburban and the Triple Bend. Have a Happy Independence Day all! · 692 days ago ·

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dubby30 · What is the meaning of all of the references to fast horses? · 692 days ago ·

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mrsmaryzinke · Dubby, By me? I just love fast horses--a personal choice of mine. Have a great weekend, See ya around. · 692 days ago ·

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LAZMANICK · Dubby…………sorry I took so long to get back to you, but your feelings towards horses caught me be surprise and I’ve spent the morning crying. I think I can hold myself together to respond to you………..My response regarding Rachel is simply because you denigrate everything that Zenyatta has ever accomplished. Actually your long winded BS in denigrating Zenyatta and praising Rachel has probably turned a lot of people off towards Rachel…………….JMO, but probably shared by legions of others………..There is no doubt that Lava Man had a great career in terms of winning important races, even though he beat up on what you always call weak Cali G1 competition and couldn’t win outside the State. But the term is best of the decade and how can you call a horse that has lost numerous times to claimers, lost 25 races within the State, raced within the State 42 times, winning 17 or 40%, and didn’t even win the most G1 races within the State during that time…………..Zenyatta is the obvious choice because she won two BC races within the state, more G1 wins and never lost there. If you don’t fancy Zenyatta, then Azeri is the obvious choice. Both were HOY winners. · 692 days ago ·

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bryanjones205 · dljffdjfdjlfdjlfjdlk · 692 days ago ·

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Long Distance Double Double for Acclamation on Hollywood Turf (Video)

For the second straight year, Acclamation followed up a win going a mile and a half on Hollywood Park’s turf course in the Jim Murray Handicap (Grade II) with a victory going a quarter mile less in the Charles Whittingham Memorial Handicap (Grade I).Read More

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Acclamation Wins Whittingham Again

Acclamation became only the second multiple winner of the $250,000 Charles Whittingham Memorial Handicap when he wired five opponents in the Grade I Saturday at Hollywood Park. Repeating his victory of a year earlier, the 5-year-old California bred quickly assumed control under jockey Joe Ta...Read More

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Acclamation Set for Whittingham Defense

“I hope I can do it again,” said trainer Don Warren from his Santa Anita base Thursday as he put the final touches on Acclamation in defense of his crown in the $250,000 Charles Whittingham Memorial Handicap Saturday at Hollywood Park. “Everything has gone according to plan,” said Warren, ha...Read More

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Acclamation Goes After Whittingham Repeat

Acclamation will try to become only the second multiple winner of the $250,000 Charles Whittingham Memorial Handicap Saturday at Hollywood Park. A Grade I at 1 ¼ miles on turf, the Whittingham is the most lucrative of four stakes races Saturday. The others on the 11 race program are the $150...Read More

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Bourbon Bay Readies for Whittingham

Bourbon Bay worked seven furlongs in 1:26.80 on the Hollywood Park turf course Sunday in preparation for the $250,000 Charles Whittingham Memorial Handicap Saturday. The Grade I Whittingham at 1 ¼ miles on grass highlights a program of four stakes that also includes the Honeymoon Handi...Read More

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Hollywood Park Today - June 6

Plenty of catching up to do. Note that I will be covering the June 9 Belmont Park pick six carryover ($930,495) right here on the blog, so please check back early next week for analysis and tickets. I will also update my Triple Crown Top 10 list on Tuesday, but now it’s time to recap the Fri-S...Read More

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Acclamation Never Headed in Whittingham

Using the same tactics he had in winning the Jim Murray Memorial Handicap three weeks earlier, Acclamation led all the way in capturing the $250,000 Charles Whittingham Memorial Handicap on Saturday at Hollywood Park. Giving both trainer Don Warren and jockey Christian Santiago Reyes their first vi...Read More

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Hollywood Park Pick 6 - June 5

Saturday’s pick six from Hollywood Park includes the Grade 3 Los Angeles Handicap, and it looks like a match race between Cost of Freedom and M One Rifle. The feature race is the Grade 1 Charles Whittingham Memorial Handicap for 3-year-olds and up traveling ten furlongs on the turf....Read More

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Dozen Set for Whittingham

Acclamation, an easy winner of the Jim Murray Memorial Handicap on May 15, will shorten up a bit in search of another turf victory against 11 opponents in the $250,000 Charles Whittingham Memorial Handicap on Saturday at Hollywood Park. The Whittingham is the richest of three stakes Saturday – alon...Read More

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mdracing69 · Have not taken a close look at this event yet but my initial reaction is that Loup Breton and Battle of Hastings could be tough at this distance. · 1087 days ago ·

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Whittingham Field Taking Shape

Neil Drysdale, who worked as an assistant for Charlie Whittingham and followed the late training legend into the Racing Hall of Fame, seeks a record-equaling seventh victory in the stake named after his mentor. Two of three Drysdale nominees for the $250,000 Grade I Charles Whittingham Memorial Han...Read More

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Midships extends streak

After a pair of front-running Grade 2 victories, Midships had no problem attacking from off the pace under Victor Espinoza to post a victory in $300,000 Charles Whittingham Memorial Handicap (G1) on Saturday at Hollywood Park...Read More

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Artiste Royal seeks Whittingham repeat

Multiple Grade 1 hero ARTISTE ROYAL (Ire) (Danehill) will pursue his second consecutive edition of the $300,000 Charles Whittingham Memorial H. (G1) at Hollywood Park on Saturday...Read More